Influenza Update

05/01/2009

Health representatives from the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC), in collaboration with Emergency Preparedness & Planning (EPP) of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke have been meeting daily to keep Kahnawa’kehró:non updated on the H1N1 influenza virus, commonly referred to as the Swine Flu. The group, called the Kahnawà:ke Influenza Pandemic Committee is a sub-committee of the EPP, meets each morning at 8:30 am at the KMHC for updates, debriefing and dissemination of up-to-the-minute information to share with Kahnawà:ke through its various media outlets.

The virus is now known as the “Human Influenza A H1N1 virus”. At present, there are NO confirmed cases in Kahnawà:ke. The World Health Organization, along with Health Canada and Quebec Public Health have NOT determined if the Human Influenza A H1N1 virus is air borne. The virus is spread through person-to-person contact and the transfer of droplets (coughing and sneezing).

The Human Influenza A / H1N1 virus seems to be following the patterns of the seasonal flu symptoms that Kahnawà:ke normally experiences every flu season. Again, frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing is key in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

A KMHC hotline is being established. Information posters will be distributed to organizations today to post on their doors concerning flu etiquette and signs and symptoms to watch out for. More information will also be in mailboxes later today or early tomorrow.

The Kahnawà:ke Influenza Pandemic Committee will continue to keep Kahnawà:ke updated on the situation as new information becomes available. Stay tuned to K103 Radio (103.7 FM) and online at www.kahnawake.com or www.kmhc.ca.